Chapter 231: New Year's Slot Begins, Passing Censorship

The first shot of the New Year's slot was fired by *White Vengeance*!

Many stars in the industry were waving flags and shouting for this film.

As Yang Mi's first big-production female lead film, she even posted ten Weibo posts in one day to help promote the film.

From the start of the project, *White Vengeance* received much attention, and the cast was even more powerful; the first day of public screening was the time to witness the results.

Lin Nan noticed the treatment this film received.

The theater chains gave enough face to the first blockbuster of the New Year's slot; an 8.5% screening rate was really high!

As for how much the first-day box office was, it would depend on the next day's data.

"Lin Dao, the premiere invitations from New Pictures and Bona were sent specifically to you."

Yue Jun took two posts and walked into Lin Nan's office; the latter was still drawing storyboards.

"Don't tell me this time, their premieres are also on the same day?"

Lin Nan asked teasingly; the matter of *Painted Skin* and *The Sorcerer and the White Snake* was still a joke.

"That's not the case; there's a day in between. Are you going?"

Lin Nan frowned; logically speaking, for the sake of Zhang Yimou and Tsui Hark, he should go.

But Zhang Weiping and Yu Dong were too disgusting; he didn't want to run into those two people.

After a moment, Lin Nan shook his head at Yue Jun:

"I'm not going; you arrange it. As for if they ask, you just say..."

"Lin Dao is busy with *Bad Genius*, I understand." Yue Jun nodded and answered with a smile.

"Hehe, fine, just say that. Believe it or not, it's up to them."

Lin Nan was too lazy to find other excuses; sending someone was giving face to the two directors, not because of those two goods.

In the afternoon, Lin Nan went to China Film Group as promised.

Unlike the last time at the Film Bureau, where the atmosphere between a large number of production companies and theater chains was tense.

The atmosphere at the scene today was much better.

On one side were Lin Nan Film Industry and China Film Group, and on the other side were representatives of more than a dozen theater chains.

"Warner and Lionsgate don't need to put in any effort, just lying down and making money." Han Sanping teased in a low voice.

If it's an imported revenue-sharing film, the box office share ratio that the production side can get is far lower than that of domestic films, only 13%. But co-productions are different; they enjoy the same treatment as domestic films.

If the negotiation result for *Pacific Rim* is good, then Warner and Lionsgate will indeed make money along with it.

Lin Nan smiled, "You have to know, global distribution relies on those two companies; we don't have that strength, so everyone benefits together."

"Alright, alright, it's just a few points, making it sound like I'm very stingy." Han Sanping waved his hand with annoyance.

Ye Ning was very embarrassed right now; the theater chains all knew that Wanda was one of the investors in *Pacific Rim*, and he had already been defaulted as an insider.

Of course, for Wanda, *Pacific Rim*'s revenue-sharing ratio was raised, making more money!

"Can you all represent all theater chains?" Lin Nan asked.

"We can."

Representatives from New Film Association and Dadi Theater Chain nodded and said at the same time. Other theater chain representatives also nodded in agreement.

"Then I won't talk nonsense."

"Lin Dao, please speak."

"Since *The Flowers of War* got a tiered revenue share, I think *Pacific Rim* should be more qualified, including my other commercial films later. Do you agree?"

"*Pacific Rim* of course can, after all, it's a sci-fi blockbuster with an investment of 160 million US dollars. As for Lin Dao's later films, why don't we talk about it when the time comes?"

The person from Shanghai United Theater Chain directly played Tai Chi.

Lin Nan nodded, "That's fine, then let's talk about *Pacific Rim* first. I think it should be able to get better treatment than *The Flowers of War*."

Hearing this, the faces of the group opposite were all not good.

Ye Ning was playing with the Rolex on his wrist, looking like he wasn't listening, but his face had a playful expression.

As for Han Sanping, he was looking calm and collected, as if his spirit was wandering outside the sky.

Lin Nan glanced at the two; one was sharper than the other!

"There is no such comparison method. We can sit down and talk about the revenue-sharing ratio because we believe in the quality of this film, but this is not a support point for Lin Dao's unrealistic ideas."

"Right, 41% for under 100 million, 41% for the part over 100 million, same as *The Flowers of War*." The person from New Film Association stated their position.

Lin Nan wanted to laugh, "That's because Zhang Weiping was too cowardly. He previously shouted a domestic target of 1 billion, but from this revenue-sharing rule, you can see he had no confidence."

"A box office of 1 billion means a normal 43% return. If *Pacific Rim* exceeds 1 billion, wouldn't we be losing money? Then what is the significance of me sitting here today?"

Lin Nan said with a sharp tone, and the person from Dadi Theater Chain laughed, "Does Lin Dao think *Pacific Rim* can be like *Avatar*, reaching 1 billion?"

As soon as the words fell, Han Sanping and Ye Ning instantly sat up straight, their eyes shining brightly.

Everyone looked at Lin Nan, waiting for his answer.

Lin Nan didn't give an answer directly, but proposed his own plan: "Why not listen to my thoughts?"

"Lin Dao, please speak."

"Change to another tiered method: total box office under 800 million, the production side gets 43% of the distributable box office; total box office over 800 million but less than 1 billion, gets 44.5% of the distributable box office; as for higher than 1 billion..."

The theater chain side all had strange expressions, all feeling Lin Nan's tone was too big.

"Higher than 1 billion, the production side gets 46% of the distributable box office!"

Now everyone was not calm; over 1 billion? Really think *Pacific Rim* is the second *Avatar*?

Lin Nan's plan was different from *The Flowers of War*'s; Zhang Weiping tended to guarantee the bottom, while Lin Nan was gambling.

If *Pacific Rim*'s box office is less than 800 million, then it's normal revenue sharing, no change.

Only when the box office is higher, the production side makes more money; of course, the theater chain definitely makes more money too; this is a win-win.

"We, we discuss it."

"Good."

Lin Nan and Han Sanping left the conference room.

"Wait another year; next year there should be movement."

Han Sanping's sudden words made Lin Nan a bit bewildered.

"About revenue sharing?"

"Right, this matter is being discussed; keep it confidential."

"No problem."

"Lin Dao, we agree to your plan!"

Lin Nan knew the possibility of success was relatively high, because his plan was much more "win-win" than Zhang Weiping's.

In addition, he also gave the production side room for longing, such as under 800 million, not changing the revenue-sharing ratio.

Regarding the revenue-sharing agreement for *Pacific Rim*, it would be signed by China Film Group representing the production side and the theater chains; Lin Nan would no longer ask.

In just one afternoon, the bet between Lin Nan and the theater chains spread in the industry.

"He has such a big tone; if it's really under 800 million, wouldn't it be playing for nothing?"

"We haven't seen the final film of *Pacific Rim*, so it's hard to draw conclusions!"

"If he really succeeds, that would be incredible!"

New Pictures.

Zhang Weiping also received the news.

On one hand, he felt that Lin Nan was a bit too arrogant and overconfident.

On the other hand, he felt even more that Lin Nan was standing on his shoulders to have the opportunity and qualification to talk about revenue sharing face-to-face with the theater chains...

"Are you really that confident?"

Liu Yifei looked at Lin Nan, wanting to see the answer from the latter's eyes.

"Don't look, there's no answer in my eyes, only a 'humph', hahaha..."

"Humph, dare to scold me, I'll bite you to death."

"Hey hey, don't use force, I was wrong, wrong..."

After a bit of play, Lin Nan answered Liu Yifei's question.

"I've already seen the trailer; it's absolutely shocking."

"Where? Why didn't I see it."

"The disc sent by Warner, only ten minutes, in my study; shall we go see it in a while?"

"..."

Lin Nan didn't lie; this was just 2D; after the release, 3D screens, and even IMAX 3D giant screens, that kind of viewing effect would definitely increase geometrically!

*White Vengeance*'s first-day box office came out.

"Historical blockbuster *White Vengeance*, roared to 10.4 million box office on the first day of the New Year's slot, achieving a good start!"

"First-day 10.4 million box office, *White Vengeance*'s daily box office is expected to climb steadily during the New Year's slot."

Unlike the media's optimism about the box office, the comments online were a bit terrible.

"I admit, from *Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon* to *14 Blades* to *White Vengeance*, Director Daniel Lee is progressing, but the extent of progress is too small..."

"Feng Shaofeng's styling is not bad; is this the only highlight?"

"Since it's wearing the skin of a historical blockbuster, can the costumes and props be more professional? That hat, so embarrassing, too distracting. Did they reuse the costumes and props from *Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon*?"

"Two armies facing off, what did I see? This is a street fight in Causeway Bay! Just with more people!"

"The plot is a hodgepodge, a pot of stew. This isn't filming a proper historical film, but an alternate history..."

Lin Nan knew that the points criticized the most were still those few.

Hong Kong directors filming historical themes, costumes and props, have never been correct.

Large-scale war scenes, they can never play them well, like gang fights.

Once touching the script, the plot is definitely rotten.

*White Vengeance*'s plot had a rotten ending; in the second half, Xiang Yu and Liu Bang both became marginal characters...

Yang Mi quickly browsed the comments on *White Vengeance*, her face getting uglier.

"Mimi, don't worry, this is only the first day, and the box office is quite good. These bad reviews, could they all be smear campaigns by competitors?"

Zeng Jia thought for a long time and couldn't help but comfort her.

Yang Mi is an actor; maybe when filming, she was a bystander, but now looking at the reviews online.

The more she looked, the more she felt these people were right!

"Oh, forget it, wait for the second day's box office results." Yang Mi had a headache, so she simply stopped thinking about it.

Lin Nan was on the phone with Luo Jin.

"What, even you are joking with me; I'm just acting opposite her.

Although I like her in the play, I really have no thoughts about her personally; we weren't even familiar before."

Listening to Luo Jin's words, Lin Nan couldn't help but tease:

"Then that's a pity; I think Tang Yan is quite good, tall and long-legged, looks good too, very compatible with you!"

"Can I convey this evaluation of yours to Yifei?" Luo Jin teased.

"Hmm... just pretend I didn't say anything.

However, I hope what you just said is true, about having no thoughts, not being familiar, etc. Don't have a reversal in a few years; that would be a slap in the face, hehehe."

"How is that possible, definitely won't, I guarantee.

Let's talk business; did Lin Dao really decide to find me to play the male supporting role in *Bad Genius*?"

"Of course, I can't really go find a few high school students or students to act, right? How many are presentable? Newcomers still need time to be trained slowly. While you and Zhu Yawen still look young, hurry up."

"Alright, Lin Dao gives a chance, how can I not go. If it spreads out, I'll be scolded to death, saying my brain has a problem, haha."

Having settled all the leads, Lin Nan felt relieved.

"Now just waiting for the script. Director Tong, don't make a mistake and pit me!"

"Who can tell me, how did this script pass censorship?!"

At the Film Bureau censorship office, an old man with blue bags under his eyes roared with full breath.

Several old men in their early sixties also waited for an answer with serious faces.

"You guys stop tossing; Director Tong handled it personally!"

A person who looked younger, in his forties, not yet fifty, said suddenly.

"Director Tong?"

Hearing this, how could everyone not understand; Lin Nan sent the script directly to Tong Gang, handling it by skipping levels!

"I remember you and Tian Zhuangzhuang have a good friendship, right?"

"Hehe, you're overthinking again."

The middle-aged man in his forties smiled helplessly.

The media soon discovered that a familiar name appeared on the script censorship list on the Film Bureau's official website.

"Lin Dao Nan's script, *Bad Genius*, passed censorship smoothly after revision."

"Hurry up and file the film, get the filming permit as soon as possible."

The first time Lin Nan got the news, he ordered Yue Jun to act quickly.

"Lin Dao, I'm going right away!"

End of chapter ===== CHAPTER 232 =====